The Soviet Union and Stalin13.4 Notes

Standard and Objective

10.7.3 Analyze the rise of totalitarian regimes…

To understand the Soviet Union under Stalin

I. A Totalitarian State

Joseph Stalin took over after Lenin’s death

Turned Soviet Union into totalitarian state

Command Economy- government control on economy 5 year plans- programs

to build heavy industry, improve transportation, increase farming

I. A Totalitarian State cont. Despite developing industry, people’s

general standard of living remained low Managers produced lots of low quality

goods to meet quotas Collective- a state owned farm, operated

by groups of peasants Kulaks-wealthy farmers

Did not want to give up their own land Stalin killed and sent them to labor camps

Led to “Terror Famine” 5-8 mil died

II. Stalin’s Terror Tactics

Stalin used secret police, torture and purges (mass killings) to edh,/ljnsure obedience

Gulag- system of brutal labor camps

The Great Purge-1934 secret police cracked down on rival party

Many of the most talented people also died

III. Communist Attempts to Control Thought

Stalin made a “cult of personality” around himself using propaganda

Censorship in the Arts Stalin required a style

called “socialist realism” to show Soviets life as positive

Faced persecution if they refused

War on religion- also tried to make people atheists, for loyalty only to state

IV. Soviet Society under Stalin

New elite were communist party members

Some benefits of communism Free schools Free medical care for children Equality for women

V. Soviet Foreign Policy

Comintern- communists international pursued world-wide revolution

Also wanted recognition/ trade with western powers